The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Arlene (Findlay, OH) on 07/16/2007
★★★★★
I have been using extra virgin olive oil. My psychologist told me about this after studying Native American history. I am bipolar. I have noticed increased metabolism, teeth tightening, weight loss of 12 pounds since starting the oil pulling June 1, 2007. I have so much more energy, teeth seem to be whitening. A clearer mind. The weight loss has been the best for me.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Kimberly (Mineral, Virginia) on 07/08/2007
★★★★★
Hello Everyone, I hadn't intended to responded this soon, but I am so amazed at how well the OP is going that I just had to give my 2 cents. I decided to try OP because I am desperate to feel better. I am 45 years old and am sick of feeling sick all the time. I stumbled on to the web sight reading about ACV and looked at the OP while I was here. I decided to give it a try as I had extra virgin olive light oil in my kitchen at the moment and a number of reader said they had used different oils with success. I did decide I would order the cold pressed seseame oil as soon as I could though. Well, I've been oil pulling now for a week and here is what I have to report. My teeth look fantastic! I have NEVER had white teeth even as a kid!! And my face, I have had oily skin and large pores with blackheads sense I was a kid as well. I'm talking 10 year old kid! Well last night I went to do my normal, you know express the pores so they don't look so large and OMG they were so small, it was unbelievable!! I could not really find anything to express. Then I realize that my face had not been as oily has it had been in the past and I actually had two dry patches on my chin which in the past has only happened when I was pregnant with my two girls and that was 25 years ago!
And now for my hair. I have always, again sense I was a kid oily hair. My hair looks great!! It is soft and shiny and it doesn't look like an oil pit 24 hours after the last washing. It is wonderful to have my hair looking nice the entire time between washings!! I can't wait to see what other benefits come out of OP!! You have one sold customer here! I will check back later on and let you all know what else has happened. Oh yeah, one more thing, I had some generalized tooth pain that I could not pin point on one side of my right upper jaw when I started, well after the second session of OP, the tooth pain was all but gone! This is GREAT!! Kim
Back Pain, Severe
Posted by Denise (Pembroke, GA) on 04/04/2007
★★★★★
I have severe arthritis and started using ACV & molasses and noticed better energy. This morning, I had real difficulty getting out of bed and decided I'd try oil pulling. To say I was amazed with the results is putting it lightly. After suffering with it for 25 years, the pain in my back is now gone! I am stunned! I used cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil - have done it twice today so far. Also, the mucous is coming up. Will do another one tonight. Thank God for this site. THANK YOU!!!!
Insights and Theories
Posted by Pamela (Asheville) on 02/02/2020
★★★★★
I've read that it's better to do a sequence of 5 minute oil pulling sessions totaling 20 minutes instead of a single 20 minute session. Reason being that doing shorter “pulls” and spitting avoids the potential re-absorption of toxins one might get from the long pulling session. Makes sense to me! This might solve any gagging problems!
Allergies
Posted by April Crowder (Charlotte Nc) on 12/26/2015
★★★★★
I have been using coconut oil for oil pulling for about 3 years now. I have never had any gagging or side effects from it. I do it every day for 20 minutes. I have allergies and the oil pulling makes my teeth feel much cleaner. I do also cough up some phlegm right after the oil pulling. Between the oil pulling and the All Natural Apple Cider Vinegar I take everyday, my allergies are much better and I have a lot more energy than I did before. No aches or pains either!
Broad Benefits
Posted by Janine (Perth, Western Australia) on 01/23/2015
★★★★★
I'm not sure how I can contribute to this site. But obviously I can't send a message to you. There are so many people that dont believe this. I am not normally an alternate person but I have been trying this for 3 days only. I was due for a dental appointment but the plaque on my teeth is becoming lesses and lesser. I originally googled this for a throat mucous problem which I have had for 12 years and no doctors prescription has been able to fix. 3 days later my throat feels fabulous apart from being quite dried out which makes it hard to swallow but I just buy lozengers. I disagree with the dentists clean and scale treatment that we have here in oz as I think that it thins your teeth down. I am totally amazed by what coconut oil has done so far. I'm sorry to bother you but thank you.
Detoxification
Posted by Gail (US) on 10/02/2014
★★★★★BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I started oil pulling with coconut oil 5 days ago . After my first pulling, I was nauseated, but my teeth were whiter and less sensitive . The next morning I awoke with a dull headache that lasted for 3 days , and I was nauseated again after my second op with co . The 3rd day I broke out with blisters around my mouth and I felt very hot but not like a hot flash kind of hot also the third night after I did the op I was getting ready for bed and I started feeling very stressed and depressed . The next morning when I woke up I felt okay . I then read on this site that it could of been because I was detoxing copper from my brain which made me feel relieved . Also on the 3rd day my jaws started hurting and on the 5th day I notice my tongue has turned white not coated white but actually my tongue is white . My jaws still hurt . Will continue although I think I will try sunflower and olive oil I will still use co too . Like this site so very informative . It's nice to hear from people who have some of the problems I do .
Dental Issues
Posted by Nora (Kentucky, Usa) on 08/10/2014
★★★★★
I tried organic virgin coconut oil for oil pulling which I had never heard about until now and I love it! It actually solved my oral issues when not even commercial mouth wash would, including my toothpaste! Unbelievable, if I hadn't tried it I would not have believed it, but I told myself, (what can I lose, so , I tried it and after about a month to a month and a half, great results, my mouth has totally healed! ) . I even read the website "wellness mama" and the other health benefits of extra virgin organic coconut oil and wow, even changed my toothpaste from flouride to the same mixture on this lady's website to try it out and it works! I am also looking into anti-inflammatory foods and detox foods to aid in better over-all health and flush out the toxins for myself and my family. I've always tried to watch what I eat and eat healthy, but there's always room for improvement. I do what I can, though, given a very tough economy still right now, so this coconut oil pulling is really helping and I think I'll stick with it.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Layla14 (San Jose, Ca) on 03/11/2014
★★★★★BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I am 28 yrs. old, female at around 148 lbs., 5'5". I am pretty healthy overall, with minor skin concerns. I made a choice to start trying different types of Ayurvedic therapy and to start using more organic body products without all the chemical/parabens. I firmly believe that I can be healthier (along with a clean diet & exercise of course) without relying on medicine/chemical crap, so that is the reason why I have taken it upon myself to do research on Ayurveda & holistic health :)
Currently suffer from certain things: occasional dandruff, some scalp psoriasis, oily skin, keratosis pilaris (upper arm), fatigue, unhealthy weight (in my opinion, I want to be at 130 lbs.), occasional mood and mild depression. Also my knee joints will start hurting if I put too much stress on them (i.e running more than 5 miles). I also feel that I drink too much alcohol/usually social binge drinking weekends and sometimes weekdays. I know, it's bad!
I started oil pulling 3 days ago with coconut oil for 10 mins. first thing in the morning. The side effects of detoxing did not start until this morning (third day), I woke up feeling hot (flu-like symptoms), groggy, and just moody. Throughout the day I have been feeling somewhat nauseated as well. I've noticed that after my first OP, I've had really deep sleep accompanied with vivid dreams!
Positives haven't been significant, since it's still too early to tell...but just like with other people... I have seen that my skin looks somewhat smoother, teeth are whiter, my vision seems a lot clearer too (colors are more vibrant), good quality sleep, and I have also been leaning on to craving healthier foods. My cravings for salt & sugar seem to be decreasing as well.
I am going to continue with OP and I'll check back in within a few weeks! Hopefully will see more benefits :)
Broad Benefits
Posted by Barbyb (Connecticut) on 07/15/2015
★★★★★
I am only into my second day of OP and have experienced clean feeling teeth and mouth only. I am committed to this process so I will check back in as I go along.
You might want to try the WO (water only) haircare routine for your scalp problems. I am into my fifth month of showering with water only. My hair has gone through some adjustments but is clean and healthy and the natural wave and curl are returning. My skin is smooth and clear. Body odor minimal and I combat that with the application of coconut oil which seems to help.
I am hoping that OP will add into my WO therapy and I can become healthier. I am 77 yrs old and this is all good.
Loose Teeth
Posted by Billie (Washington State, Usa) on 09/12/2013
★★★★★
Coconut Oil Pulling For Uterine Health, Stopped Teeth from Shifting
I started oil pulling with coconut oil about three weeks ago. I have a stubborn fibroid, and after being on six month herbal regiment to shrink it, while it helped, I just didn't want to take all those herbs anymore. It did help reduce my period from heavy and seven days to about five days, and lessened the flow -- sorry if that's TMI :)
Anyway, I researched oil pulling and what caught my attention was that a person who had a problem with shifting teeth, once they started oil pulling, their teeth stopped shifting. Mine have been shifting since I got my braces off 8 years ago. I have to wear my retainer at night. So I started oil pulling and I have not had to wear my retainer since; my teeth have stayed straight and are whitening beautifully.
Even better though, my most recent period only lasted three days, and it was extremely light. I don't have any joint pain, I feel refreshed. I am hoping that it helped shrink my fibroid a bit more, as I am combining this with Chaste berry and serrapeptase, as well as drinking ACV water.
I feel better than I did when I was in my 20s. I love oil pulling; it's easy, I do it in the shower, and after I spit out the oil I gargle with salt water to loosen the little bit of oil from my mouth and then brush. If you haven't started oil pulling and are still trying to decide, give it a try for about a week, especially if you are suffering from arthritis. A week won't hurt you, and sparing fiftheen minutes before breakfast to do this -- you won't regret it.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Jeffrey (Hartly, Delaware) on 06/12/2013
★★★★★
I started oil pulling several months ago, using sesame oil for 20 minutes first thing in the morning. Before I started I had severe flaking of facial skin and dandruff. Since then, the facial skin flaking and dandruff has almost disappeared. Also, before oil pulling, I used a saline solution to clear my nostrils, since oil pulling my nostrils are clear, and there is no need for the saline solution. I recommend oil pulling to everyone. Great stuff!
About Oil Pulling
Posted by Alan (Homestead, Florida) on 05/22/2013
★★★★★
I believe that the positive, measurable results of oil pulling are due to the the physics of CAVITATION. The implosion of bubbles in liquid is a well studied phenomenon outside of the human mouth... It's considerable power will degrade a ships propeller in short order... In an ultrasonic parts cleaner it will strip tarnish from silver and filth from your jewelry. The variations in oil viscosity (sunflower vs. Olive etc.) WILL produce different cleaning or stimulative effect. Water will work as well but takes much more time as it's viscosity results in lower cavitational power. Very little mysticism here but a lot of misinformation.
Dental Issues
Posted by Om (Hope, B.c., Canada) on 05/21/2013
★★★★★
To Clio51 from Manchester. According to Ayurvedic books, oil pulling should be done in the early morning before drink or food with sesame oil. In twenty minutes the oil should look white when expelled. Then rinse mouth several times. The action is on all energy points on the tongue , that is why oil pulling benefits all body organs.
I have done it now for almost a year and loose teeth are firm again. Otherwise my teeth have whitened over time. Other benefits may be there as I have no other issues. Keep it up. Om
Dental Issues
Posted by Jenn (Cork, Ireland) on 01/12/2013
★★★★★
I have been oil pulling with olive oil for six months. I would use a different toothbrush for oil pulling and another for normal tooth brushing, and alway rinse my mouth out with warm salt water (one teaspoon in a small glass). I feel I am less likely to cross contaminate my mouth by using a different toothbrush.
My mouth feels much healther and my teeth are stronger, my dentist recommended for me to use a filler toothpaste as I have sensitive enamel. I choose to oil pull instead, and six months later my teeth are not as sensitive. I would recommend everyone giving it a try as it is inexpensive. It's just getting into a routine, like brushing and flossing teeth. Soon it becomes second nature. Of course you should follow your dentist advice also, I just made my own decision that suited me.
Dental Issues
Posted by Om (Hope, Bc Canada) on 12/28/2012
★★★★★
I have been oilpulling for over a year. My teeth have by nature a yellow tinge but have become whiter and brighter. My gums still bleed occasionally but are much healthier and firmer. Moreover, two molars that were lose have become firm and make no more trouble. If there is infection in the roots, take colloidal silver and keep in the mouth for a while. Do this for at least three days. The infection will go. I use only sesame oil as it penetrates all the skin levels and nourishes the tissue. I am 78 years old and have all my teeth sans one that went many years ago. Oil pulling is mandatory for sinus drainage otherwise the body becomes toxic.
Dental Issues
Posted by Cat (Austin, Texas) on 11/17/2015
Oil pulling will clean your teeth very well and heal (usually) your gum issues, but if you want thicker, stronger teeth, investigate food grade diatomaceous earth. My teeth were shaped like playing cards and thinning yearly. After 3 months on diatomaceous earth, they are thick pearly bulbs and very strong. Plus, my gums are better where they have pockets. The DE rebuilds jaw bone strength too! It, plus oil pulling plus getting rid of carbs (horrible for teeth over the long haul) and softly brushing/flossing once a day before bed, is all you need. I have since learned that a morning salt water/peppermint/coconut oil rinse after oil pulling and a tongue scrape is quite enough rather than brushing twice day. Frequent hard brushing can make pockets worse and weaken/damage gum tissue.
